After two years leading the Newcastle pride, Lions president, Lizette van der Berg, has handed her chain office to Annette Conradie.

During her term of office, Van der Berg and her team have served 8 832 people in need, uniting 1 082 community volunteers, who selflessly contributed 5 218 volunteer hours towards serving the community.

“These are far more than statistics. They are smiles restored, families supported, hope renewed and lives forever changed,” said Van der Berg at the Lions induction dinner on Saturday, July 11.

Reflecting on a legacy of service

Van der Berg described the opportunity to serve as the Lions president as one of the greatest privileges of her life, with every project, meeting, fundraiser and act of kindness serving as a reminder that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they choose to serve others.

She assured Lions Club members that, even though her journey as president has ended, her journey as a Lion will continue.

“Our greatest legacy will never be measured by the titles we hold but by the lives we touch and the difference we make,” said Van der Berg. “Service is not a position, it’s a way of life.”

Accepting the gavel and gong as symbols of her leadership position, Conradie described feeling incredibly humbled, deeply honoured and ready to work.

New president sets out her vision

As president, Conradie is committed to ‘hands-on service’ and has vowed to expand the club’s food distribution efforts, strengthen its support of local shelters and ensure that, when someone in the community falls on hard times, the Lions Club is there to help them back up.

“Right now, many of our neighbours are facing quiet hardships. Families are struggling with food insecurity, the elderly are facing isolation, and vulnerable individuals lack basic necessities. We cannot solve every problem in the world, but we can change the world for the people living in our own neighbourhood,” pledged Conradie.

Three new members were inducted into the Newcastle Lions Club.

Suzette Chamberlain, Robyn Foxcroft and Lizel Howard committed to dedicating their time, energy and talent to making the community a better place.

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